Blogging, Friendship, Vancouver Island

Erica/Erika

Retirement Reflections

The unique and varied paths which lead us to individual bloggers whom we follow are often far from straightforward.  Several local bloggers whom I follow, I met via bloggers in Australia or the UK.

Recently, I had the chance to meet up with fellow Vancouver Island blogger, Erica from Behind the Scenery. We follow many of the same bloggers in different countries, but met through a chance internet search. Erica was looking up “anniversary posts” on WordPress and came across A Love Letter that I wrote over three years ago when I began blogging. That search also led her to Janis’s I’d Do It Again and Kathy’s  7 Thoughts on Marriage. Ironically, not only do I follow these blogs, I have met both Janis and Kathy several times, and have another meet-up planned with them for this summer! As Erica  points out, some things are meant to be.

Upon a quick visit to Behind the Scenery, I found myself completely engaged in such posts as Tic Tac Rescue Mission, I Wish that I Could Go Back in Time and The Year that I Refused to Step on the Bathroom Scale. Erica has an incredible gift to take ordinary events and turn them into compelling, relatable reads that often make me smile, and always make me rethink.

Behind the Scenery gets its name from Erica’s keen and curious eye that looks for the stories behind the photos and seeks out the lessons that begin softly at first, and then get louder and louder.

Although we met for less than two hours, we covered a week’s worth of topics. We quickly confirmed that our philosophies on how we approach life’s gifts and challenges are quite similar.  One of the many questions that I did ask is why Erica’s blog signature is “Erica/Erika.” There is a long story to that which I encourage her to share with you. It is another similarly for us, as I too have a “double name.”

If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit Erica’s blog, I highly recommend it. I look forward to seeing you there!

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

83 thoughts on “Erica/Erika”

  1. I was a little emotional reading this post, Donna. You are as kind and genuine IRL as you are online. I just finished a draft this morning writing a story about our visit. I don’t plan to share it until next week (for personal reasons – I have a specific post ready for a special occasion). I appreciate your supportive words and giving me WP advice. I can edit or change my site and it won’t completely disappear🙂

    It was a privilege to meet you and Richard. You have a gift, Donna, for bringing out the best in people. I agree that “some things are meant to be.” Our paths were meant to cross.

    I know we will continue to be friends in cyberspace and IRL. I am now intrigued to find out about your “double name”🙂

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    1. I reviewed some of the above stories Donna highlighted. My very first few posts were unedited drafts written on the WP site. I like the stories, although since then, I quickly learned to devote focused time editing future stories. I have read where other bloggers keep their early posts so that they can see where they started with their writing. I have learned a great deal following other sites. I know that this evolving and continued learning is part of the writing journey. Fun!

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    2. HI, Erica – I’m glad that you like this post (it always is a bit of a worry when hitting publish)! 🙂 Do you plan to write a post about your double name? If so, I will be sure to avoid any spoilers in my replies. Just let me know.

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  2. Hi Erica AND Donna. How great to meet IRL when you live so close! And just like it is fun to read stories about how couples met their spouses, it is fun to read how you “found” each other too. I so agree with you Erica that Donna is as kind and generous in person as online so I don’t doubt you got along fabulously. And I am definitely looking forward to meeting you IRL this summer at Donna’s and I KNOW we will all have tons to talk about! ~Kathy

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  3. This brightened my day – so many good, beautiful people in the world, and sometimes we are fortunate to meet them face to face ! This was very cool !

    Susan Grace

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    1. Hi, Susan – There truly are so many amazing people in the world. Blogging is a great way to reach across the miles and meet many of them. I’ve been fortunate to meet IRL several bloggers whom I already followed. I love our unique twist of meeting IRL first and then quickly realizing that each of us blogged! I only wish we had more IRL together after we met!

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      1. I couldn’t figure out what IRL meant (a secret code word among bloggers? ha ha) and then I figured it must mean “in real life”. You can see how naïve I still am regarding the blogosphere; but meeting you inspired me to reinvent my blog, so to speak. But most of all, it was great to meet such a generous, caring, life loving person. So glad you met up with E/E.

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      2. Hi, Susan – Once again, your comment put a smile on my face. It’s usually me who needs to look up modern short forms and acronyms! I am very happy that we sat beside each other in yoga that day. Coincidence?

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  4. So great to meet you Erica/Erika — I’ve just subscribed to your blog!
    Donna thanks for introducing Erica/Erika! I’m intrigued about both of your double names! Do tell more — I also have several names I’ve gone by in life so find these stories so interesting. “What’s in a name?” Perhaps a blog post?

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    1. Hi, Janet – I’m so glad that you have popped over to Erica’s blog, and have already subscribed. Knowing both of your sites, I believe that you will greatly enjoy each other’s posts. I’m hoping that Erica will write about her double name — it’s a great story! The tale of my double name is much less interesting, but I’ll try to avoid any spoilers until I know if Erica plans to post on this topic.

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    2. Hi Janet, Nice to meet you! I didn’t think too much about my name(s) until Donna asked me about this. I am now hearing that many people have “double names” resulting in interesting stories. I like your suggestion on a possible blog post. I look forward to checking out your blog site:) Erica

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  5. Hi Donna – A lovely post and lovely photo of you and Erica/ Erika. Very nice that you both live on Vancouver Island, so much easier to arrange a meet-up. I’ll visit Erica/ Erika’s blog shortly.

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  6. Hi Donna, I love that you meet other bloggers regularly and just make it happen. Erica/Erika has been recently commenting on my blog and she sounds lovely. I’m off to check her blog out because I really haven’t had a chance before this and you have prompted me. Isn’t it great that you both live on Vancouver Island so could arrange a regular catchup. Thank you Donna for making me appreciate that there is so much more to life than blogging (which I love) and for sharing your experiences with us. I’m looking forward to our meeting in September. xx

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    1. Thanks, Sue – I believe that you will enjoy Erica’s posts. She lives a very mindful lifestyle. I am super excited about our Meet-Up this September. I love all of the opportunities that open up for paths to cross!

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    2. Hi Sue, I really like that Donna and I live on Vancouver Island and we can connect IRL. I enjoy your informative, motivating blog site. You always share new gems to help us stay healthy. I will send you an email this weekend regarding our conversation:) Erica

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  7. Hi Donna and nice to meet you Erica/Erika! Now I want to know about your double name as well as yours too Donna 🙂

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    2. Hi Dee, I agree with Donna. I think many of us have double names and a story behind the names. It may be an idea for a future blog post. I will stop by and check out your blog site:) Erica

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  8. Another new blog friend for you, eh? I’m happy that you share your friends with the rest of us because it’s fun for everyone. I’m off to read Erica/Erika’s blog and I’ll be sure to tell her Donna sent me.

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    2. Hi Ally, I started blogging less than a year ago. I thought it would be a fun place to be creative, write, and learn how to set up a WP site. I was not prepared for the bonus of meeting smart, witty, thoughtful writers. I learn something new every day from each one of them. I look forward to stopping by your site:) Erica

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  9. I’m happy to already know Erica and her blog. I’m at a loss however to remember how or when we connected, but one thing is certain – everything you said about her and her blog is true!

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      2. That’s very interesting, Joanne. I know that Erica plans to respond to some of these comments so I wonder what she will say? I just took a quick peek at her site. We both began commenting there (on the very same post) this past November.

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      3. Hi Donna and Joanne,

        Erica/Erika
        NOVEMBER 21, 2018 AT 5:55 PM
        I was browsing wordpress reader and came upon your upbeat, yet realistic post “reflecting on 35 years of marriage”. This Saturday will be our actual 40th wedding anniversary. All year I have been reflecting on 40 years of marriage with many similar, thoughts and feelings to yours “love respect and a sense of humour”. Definitely a pervasive feeling of sentimentality. Thanks for sharing your feelings on a long term marriage. Erica

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        REPLY
        *
        
        * Joanne Sisco 
NOVEMBER 22, 2018 AT 7:53 AM 

First, let me say CONGRATULATIONS!! Forty years is a significant milestone in a marriage
        

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    2. Thank you for your kind comment, Joanne. I have learned a great deal from you. You have also been very thoughtful and welcoming. I just took a screenshot showing when we first communicated. I don’t know whether I can add an attachment to a reply. If not, I will copy/paste. I really enjoy reading your blog, Joanne. Thought-provoking, interesting, fun and amazing photos:) Erica

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      1. I don’t see any attachment, but the sentiment is mutual!! 🙂

        It’s said often but it’s true and worth repeating. This is a wonderful community of bloggers. We learn from and inspire each other – and yes, even commiserate with each other when things go sideways.

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  11. Isn’t blogging a wonderful way of connecting with other like minded souls Donna? I can’t believe how many lovely friendships I’ve made over the last few years – near and far! The chance to meet up IRL is a great side benefit and I’m hoping to get to meet more of my online friends in the years to come. I’m off to check out Erica’s blog now x

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    1. Hi, Leanne – Your words are so true. Blogging is an amazing way to connect with like-minded people. I had no idea that this would be the case when I began to blog, but these connections are the one thing that have kept me going. Thank you for checking out Erica’s blog.

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    2. Hi Leanne, I was not aware that the added benefit to blogging was meeting and connecting with like-minded souls. These connections have enriched my life and added a big fun factor to blogging. I look forward to checking out your site:) Erica

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  12. I’ve subscribed to Erica’s blog—thank you, Donna for your introduction. I know I’ll enjoy it! I love this cyber community, it keeps me connected, and contributes so much to my writing, and my life, actually.

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    1. Nice to meet you, Diane. I agree with how this cyber community enriches our lives on many levels. I see from Donna’s comment that we have Victoria in common. I look forward to checking out your blog:) Erica

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    1. Hi, Susan – I agree, that is such a lovely post. I know that Erica will appreciate you reading her more recent writing. Her posts that I highlighted were earlier ones. She simply had too many great ones for me to choose from!

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  15. These sorts of meetups always make my heart sing Donna! I love meeting other bloggers through my blogging friends around the world. I’m off to read Erica/Erika’s blog. Thanks for the introduction 🙂

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  16. How lovely to meet Erica! Thanks for the intro Donna. It is wonderful to have face to face meet ups with our blogging buddies and it sounds like you two hit it off famously. I’ve just read the bathroom scales post and love it! Looking for a good hiding place for my scale. 😉

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    1. I love that post, too, Molly! I don’t usually weigh myself either. This is due to laziness as our scale is upstairs, and I seldom go up there unless cleaning for company! I second Erica’s advice about using inconvenient hiding spots to avoid temptation!

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    2. Nice to meet you, Molly. It is wonderful to connect IRL with a blogger, especially with Donna. I forgot about the bathroom scale (almost). My husband hid it somewhere and I am happy it disappeared😊I look forward to checking out your blog:) Erica

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  17. Donna and Erica,
    I always am so pleased when I find my blogging favs being highlighted and their work shared. I am so appreciative of both of you for your craft as well as your support.
    I’m also a little bit jealous of these CA meet-ups…maybe Vancouver should be one of our stops on our new RV adventures!

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    2. Hi Nancy, It was a real treat to meet Donna. She is as genuine and kind IRL as you would expect. I always appreciate your supportive comments, Nancy. I enjoy reading about your adventures, your family and your thoughtful approach to life. As Donna mentioned there is an opportunity for a meet up in July, and likely other times:) Erica

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  19. Hi Donna! How cool you met Erica IRL! There are quite a few bloggers I follow who live on Vancouver Island, it looks like. Erica is one of those genuine people leaving very thoughtful comments on my blog, so I’m psyched to learn about your meet-up, yet I’m disappointed to not find out (yet) what her double name is about. I’ll have to keep an eye out for her post about that. I sure wish that upcoming blogger meet-up on VI happened last summer. 🙂

    Now you have to tell us about your double name!!

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    1. Hi Liesbet, Thank you for your kind comment. You definitely have a following of bloggers that hang in suspense, waiting for the next instalment of Roaming About. I am one of them! 🙂 Erica

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    2. Hi, Liesbet – Your comment made me wonder if you are following some great Vancouver Island Bloggers that I am missing. The ones that I know about are Erica, Jude (Dr. Sock Writes Here), Diane (Still the Lucky Few), Ann (The UnRetired), Agnes (Sassy, Savvy, Successful), Mike (CMLJNelson’s Blog) and me! 🙂 Who are you following that I am missing…and should know about?!

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  20. There must be a blogger vortex on Vancouver Island. I live in a pretty big city yet can only count a few bloggers that I follow from here… and none that I’ve met in person I have enjoyed following Erica/Erika (and have wondered about the double name) ever since she commented on my anniversary post. Thank you for the link to my blog, Donna, and thank you for the links to a few of her earlier posts. I am so looking forward to our July meet-up!

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    1. Hi Janis, Thank you for your kind comment. You may have been one of the first connections I made when I was reading #anniversary. If I recall correctly, you were actually on a hiatus from blogging. I appreciate you still took the time to respond to me. (I just looked it up copy/paste)

      Erica/Erika
      says:
      November 17, 2018 at 5:58 am
      I was looking at posts on Anniversaries and came across your positive, up beat blog. I like your words on how you wouldn’t change a thing and get married the same way. Our 40th Wedding Anniversary is next week, and I agree with you. I am a very new blogger navigating this world. Thank you for your gems. Erica
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      *
      
      * RetirementallyChallenged.com says:

November 17, 2018 at 8:16 am 

Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m currently on a two-month blogging break but I wanted to wish you and your husband a wonderful anniversary, and welcome you to my blog and the blogging world.


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  22. Donna, thank you for the introduction to Erica. I’m headed over to check out her blog now. Thanks for linking up with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I will share on social media.

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  23. I do love a bloggy meet-up. I think because we already know each other’s voices and like each other’s writing (presumably anyway, or we wouldn’t be reading/following) it feels like you’re catching up with an old friend. I ducked across and had a look. I think I’ll be looking at my bathroom scales with the same trepidation when I get back from holidays…just saying…

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    2. Hi Jo, I agree with you. We already know each other’s voices. We are more comfortable meeting up. I was excited to meet Donna. I had forgotten about the bathroom scale story. After 50 plus years of a daily weigh in, I don’t miss it 🙂I may change my mind. Enjoy your holidays:) Erica

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